The Elder Scrolls Online » Discussions


The Necromancer Class

  • Member
    April 30, 2019

    It's Necromancer Week for ESO, starting with this quick summary Don't Get Caught! Not much to go on so far in terms of class lore, although it looks like they might be leaving that more up to the player than with previous classes:

    “In broad strokes, necromancy is about the creative manipulation of the soul, or animus, which is one of the basic building blocks of life in Tamriel,” explains Leamon Tuttle, ESO’s Loremaster. “Necromancers use their power to cast spells, bind souls into service, and use lesser Daedric spirits to reanimate corpses.”

    When discussing necromancy, it’s important to note that even its definition is a point of contention.

    “The Mages Guild identifies necromancy as its own distinct school of magic, but some Necromancers say it’s just an offshoot of mysticism, conjuration, and enchantment—no more dangerous than fireballs and scrying spells.”

    All of Tamriel’s races can practice Necromancy

    However you choose to define it, necromancy has existed in Tamriel for a long time before the events of ESO, but despite its long history, the practice of necromancy is, broadly speaking, forbidden.

    “The practice is frowned upon in most cultures, but some people such as the Redguards and Dark Elves see it as the ultimate blasphemy,” explains Tuttle. “To them, messing with their ancestors is a huge no-no, and organizations like the Mages Guild reject it on ethical grounds, since it involves messing with mortal souls.”

    I'll be interested in seeing whether or not there is an assumed path or if it remains a bit hazy.

  • April 30, 2019

    You know...is it sorta weird how many quests in Morrowind seem to deal with Spirits and Ancestors? I mean, my understanding of how a Ghost or Spirit is made in ES Lore is a bit nonexistent (read: Completely nonexistant) but I really feel like the sheer number of various Undead that display actual signs of intellect rather than mindless Skeletons/Zombies/Draugr in Morrowind seems a bit strange for a culture that seemingly despises Necromancy, and messing with Ancestors at all.

    I mean, for example on of the first Main Quests in Morrowind (ESO) deals with you calling forth a Spirit and talking to it, literally messing with an ancestor in order to gain something. Dunno about how strict you want to be about the definition, but to me that feels like it could be considered a form of Necromancy. 

  • Member
    April 30, 2019

    Dragonborn2021 said:

    You know...is it sorta weird how many quests in Morrowind seem to deal with Spirits and Ancestors? I mean, my understanding of how a Ghost or Spirit is made in ES Lore is a bit nonexistent (read: Completely nonexistant) but I really feel like the sheer number of various Undead that display actual signs of intellect rather than mindless Skeletons/Zombies/Draugr in Morrowind seems a bit strange for a culture that seemingly despises Necromancy, and messing with Ancestors at all.

    I mean, for example on of the first Main Quests in Morrowind (ESO) deals with you calling forth a Spirit and talking to it, literally messing with an ancestor in order to gain something. Dunno about how strict you want to be about the definition, but to me that feels like it could be considered a form of Necromancy. 

    I think the destinction is one of free will. Take Blasphemous Revenants:

    ...not into the world, nor out of it, but between worlds they linger, held to the hearth and tomb by blood and loyalty. And if they come unbidden, from love of kin or faith to duty, it is not unholy. It is but the answering of the ancestors, the awakening of those who never sleep, the summoning to service of those bound through Hearth and House to the protection of the clan.

    Doors of the Spirit too, and also Ancestors and the Dunmer